1. Why You Should Read Your Gas Meter
Taking regular gas meter readings is one of the simplest things you can do to stay on top of your energy costs. If you don't submit readings, your supplier will estimate your usage — and those estimates are often wrong.
There are three good reasons to read your gas meter regularly:
- Avoid estimated bills — Estimated bills can leave you overpaying in summer or facing a shock bill in winter. Actual readings keep your account accurate.
- Track your consumption — By comparing readings month to month, you can see how your gas usage changes with the seasons and spot opportunities to save money.
- Spot problems early — A sudden spike in consumption when your habits haven't changed could indicate a faulty appliance or a gas leak. Regular readings help you catch issues quickly.
2. Types of Gas Meters in the UK
Before you can read your meter, you need to know what type you have. There are four main types of gas meters found in UK homes:
Digital Metric Meter
The most common type in modern UK homes. Displays a row of numbers on a digital screen and measures gas in cubic metres (m³). Easy to read — just note the numbers shown on the display.
Imperial Dial Meter
Found in older properties. Has a row of circular dials with pointers, each rotating in alternate directions. Measures gas in cubic feet (ft³). Requires a bit more care to read accurately.
Smart Meter (SMETS1 and SMETS2)
Automatically sends readings to your supplier. SMETS1 meters were first-generation and could lose smart functionality if you switched supplier. SMETS2 meters are the current standard and work with all suppliers. Both come with an in-home display (IHD).
Prepayment Meter
You top up credit before using gas, either with a key, card, or via an app. The display shows your remaining credit and total usage. Some newer prepayment meters are smart meters too.
3. How to Read a Digital Gas Meter
Reading a digital gas meter is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Find the display
Locate your gas meter. It is usually in a meter box on an outside wall, under the stairs, or in a cupboard. The display will show a row of numbers, typically white or black digits on a digital screen.
Step 2: Read left to right
Read the numbers on the display from left to right, just like reading a book. The number shown represents the total volume of gas that has passed through the meter since it was installed.
Step 3: Ignore numbers after the decimal point
Most digital meters show a decimal point followed by one or more digits (sometimes in red). Ignore these. Your supplier only needs the whole numbers before the decimal.
Step 4: Note the 5-digit number
Write down the 4 or 5 digit number. For example, if the display shows 12345.678, your reading is 12345. That is all you need to submit to your energy supplier.
Tip
If the display is blank, press the red button on the front of the meter. Some digital meters go to sleep to save power and need a button press to wake up.
4. How to Read an Imperial Dial Meter
Imperial dial meters look more complicated than digital meters, but they are not difficult once you know the technique. The meter has four or five circular dials, each with numbers 0 to 9, and the pointers alternate between clockwise and anticlockwise.
Step 1: Ignore the red dials
Some dial meters have one or two red dials (usually on the right). These are test dials used by engineers. Ignore them completely when taking a reading.
Step 2: Read the dials from left to right
Starting from the leftmost dial, read each one in order. Note which number the pointer is on or has just passed.
Step 3: If the pointer is between two numbers, take the lower one
This is the key rule. If a pointer sits between 4 and 5, write down 4. If it is between 9 and 0, write down 9 (because 0 represents 10, which is higher).
Step 4: Check the dial to the right
If a pointer looks like it is exactly on a number, check the dial to its right. If that dial has not yet passed 0, reduce the number you noted by one. For example, if the pointer is on 5 but the next dial is on 9, your reading for that dial is 4, not 5.
Example Dial Reading
Given four dials reading (left to right):
- Dial 1: pointer between 2 and 3 → 2
- Dial 2: pointer between 7 and 8 → 7
- Dial 3: pointer on 5, next dial past 0 → 5
- Dial 4: pointer between 1 and 2 → 1
Your reading: 2751 (in hundreds of cubic feet)
5. How to Read a Smart Meter
If you have a smart meter, it sends readings to your supplier automatically. However, you can still check your usage at any time.
- In-home display (IHD) — Your smart meter came with a small portable screen. It shows your current gas usage in pounds and pence, daily and weekly totals, and your meter reading. Press the menu button and navigate to "Meter Reading" or "Gas" to see the current number.
- On the meter itself — You can also read the number directly from the smart meter display. Press the button on the meter to cycle through screens until you see the gas reading in m³.
- Supplier app — Most energy suppliers have an app where you can view your smart meter data, including daily usage graphs and your current reading. Check your supplier's website for download links.
Tip
If your smart meter has lost connection to your supplier (common with older SMETS1 meters after switching), you may need to submit manual readings until it reconnects. Contact your new supplier to check.
6. Metric vs Imperial: How to Tell Which You Have
Knowing whether your meter is metric or imperial matters because it affects how your supplier converts your gas meter reading units to kilowatt hours (kWh) for billing.
| Feature | Metric Meter | Imperial Meter |
|---|---|---|
| Units | Cubic metres (m³) | Cubic feet (ft³) |
| Display type | Digital numbers | Circular dials |
| Marking on meter | "M" or "m³" | "I" or "ft³" |
| Reading format | 5 digits + decimals | 4 digits (+ red dials) |
| Common in | Newer properties | Older properties |
If you are still unsure, look at the front of the meter for a label showing "M" (metric) or "I" (imperial). You can also check your gas bill — it will state whether your consumption is recorded in m³ or ft³.
7. How to Submit Your Reading
Once you have taken your gas meter reading, submit it to your energy supplier. There are three main ways to do this:
- Online — Log in to your supplier's website and navigate to the meter readings section. Enter the number and confirm.
- App — Most suppliers have a mobile app where you can submit readings in a few taps. Some even let you photograph the meter.
- Phone — Call your supplier's automated meter reading line. You will find the number on your bill or their website.
Why actual readings matter
When your supplier estimates your usage, they base it on historical averages. This can lead to overpaying in warmer months and underpaying in winter. Submitting actual readings means you only pay for the gas you actually use. According to Citizens Advice, regular meter readings are one of the best ways to keep your energy bills accurate.
8. Average Gas Meter Readings by Month
If you are wondering what a normal average gas meter reading per month looks like, the table below shows typical monthly consumption for a medium-sized UK home (3 bedrooms, gas central heating and hot water). Figures are approximate and based on Ofgem average consumption data of around 11,500 kWh per year.
| Month | Approx. Usage (kWh) | Approx. Meter Units (m³) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1,700 – 2,200 | 150 – 200 |
| February | 1,500 – 2,000 | 135 – 180 |
| March | 1,200 – 1,600 | 110 – 145 |
| April | 800 – 1,100 | 70 – 100 |
| May | 400 – 700 | 35 – 65 |
| June | 300 – 500 | 30 – 45 |
| July | 250 – 450 | 25 – 40 |
| August | 250 – 450 | 25 – 40 |
| September | 400 – 700 | 35 – 65 |
| October | 900 – 1,300 | 80 – 115 |
| November | 1,300 – 1,800 | 115 – 160 |
| December | 1,600 – 2,100 | 145 – 190 |
Summer months (June–August) show the lowest usage because heating is off and gas is only used for hot water and cooking. Winter months (December–February) show the highest usage due to central heating.
9. What Happens After You Read Your Meter
Once your supplier has your gas meter reading, they convert it to kilowatt hours (kWh) to calculate your bill. Here is how the conversion works:
Gas Units to kWh Conversion
1. Subtract previous reading from current reading = units used
2. If imperial (ft³): multiply by 2.83 to convert to m³
3. Multiply by volume correction factor: 1.02264
4. Multiply by calorific value: 39.5 MJ/m³ (approximate)
5. Divide by 3.6 to convert MJ to kWh
Your supplier then multiplies the kWh by the unit rate (currently around 6.24p/kWh under the Ofgem price cap) and adds the daily standing charge. The result is your gas bill.
You can do this conversion yourself using our Gas Units to kWh Calculator, or estimate your full bill with the Gas Bill Calculator.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I read my gas meter?
You should aim to read your gas meter at least once a month. Submitting monthly readings to your energy supplier ensures your bills are based on actual usage rather than estimates. Many suppliers send reminders when a reading is due.
What do the numbers on my gas meter mean?
The numbers on your gas meter show how much gas you have used in total since the meter was installed. On a metric meter, the reading is in cubic metres (m³). On an imperial meter, the reading is in cubic feet (ft³ or hundreds of cubic feet). Your supplier uses the difference between two readings to calculate your consumption for a billing period.
How do I know if my meter is metric or imperial?
A metric meter displays readings in cubic metres (m³) and usually has a digital display. An imperial meter measures in cubic feet (ft³) and typically has circular dials. You can also look for an "M" marking for metric or an "I" marking for imperial on the meter face. Your gas bill will also state which unit your meter uses.
What is a good gas meter reading?
There is no single "good" reading because the number simply reflects total gas used since installation. What matters is your consumption between readings. A typical medium UK household uses around 12,000 kWh of gas per year. Monthly usage varies from roughly 30–50 units in summer to 150–200 units in winter. You can check how your usage compares using our Gas Bill Calculator.
Can I read my gas meter if it's outside?
Yes. Most modern gas meters in the UK are fitted in a white or brown meter box on an outside wall. You can open the box by pressing the latch or turning the handle. The meter display faces outward so you can read it easily. You do not need any special tools or permission to read your own meter.
Disclaimer
Please rely on a professional, accredited Gas Safe engineer and accredited tools for all measuring. The information in this guide is for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. If you suspect a gas leak or faulty meter, contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately.
Convert Your Gas Meter Reading
Now that you know how to read your meter, use our free calculators to convert your reading to kWh or estimate your gas bill.